Rochester Independent College
Rochester Independent College is a co-educational independent boarding school, part of the Dukes Education Group, providing education to pupils aged 11-19 in Kent. REQUEST INFORMATION..
KEY INFORMATION:
Rochester Independent College offers GCSE, BTEC & A Level curriculum. They deliver a strong EAL for international students. Full boarding is offered on site in their Rochester grounds, catering to both UK & international students. Read more below …
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HISTORY:
Founded in 1984, Rochester Independent College (RIC) is a day and boarding school in Kent. The majority of students are from the UK with around 25% from overseas.At Rochester there is no uniform, no bells ring, students and staff are on first name terms and the average class size is 8. The College encourages its students to voice their opinions, to think critically, creatively and independently.Rochester joined Dukes Education in 2016 and it’s a fit that works. Our students and staff benefit from working with our Dukes partners at Oxbridge Applications and The Medic Portal. Over the next few years we’re expanding with a new student residential village opposite the main campus. We’ll be able to welcome boarders from the age of 13 from September 2023.
ENGLISH SUPPORT:
Rochester offers tuition in the Academic IELTS (International English Language Testing System) which is universally recognised and accepted by all UK Universities.
SIZE:
The College has 345 pupils of which 105 are boarders.
POST-16 QUALIFICATIONS:
RIC offers around 40 subjects in a variety of programmes ranging from conventional two year programmes for GCSEs or A-levels to combined GCSE and A-level programmes and 5 term A-level courses. English language support is available if required.
ACCOMMODATION:
Over half of their cosmopolitan mix of boarders each year are English, including many from Kent, but they also welcome international students looking to study in the UK in order to gain entry to top UK universities and art schools.British students whose parents are in the armed forces or based overseas as expatriate workers often join after taking their GCSEs at international schools. Some have previously been home-schooled. Globally grounded, third culture kids from all over the world come to RIC to finish their secondary education before proceeding to universities in the USA and Europe.As half of the residential community is new each year it’s easy to make new and interesting friends.Overseas students are fully integrated into the life of the school rather than in a separate international study centre. They do not have large groups of native speakers from any one country so speaking- and improving-your English is inescapable.
SEN:
Their teaching and pastoral staff are pro active, identifying where students are having difficulties and offering practical help, solutions and encouragement.Tutors file regular reports on students and these are emailed to parents giving constant feedback. An end of term report should never contain surprises for either students or their parents. The College operates an ‘open door’ policy and parents feel free to come and see, telephone or email Personal Tutors and the Principal to discuss any issue concerning them.
While there is a very international flavour in our comfortable on-campus accommodation, more than half of our boarders are English. RIC is a real local school where the focus is on examination success in a lively, supportive and informal atmosphere.Boarding at RIC combines the informality of a university hall of residence with the supervision and pastoral support appropriate for older teenagers. The emphasis is on providing a comfortable, happy, fun environment. Our boarding staff live on site and are available 24/7 to monitor and support students, helping with any concerns.Academic rigour with a creative buzz:
This successfully individual environment is a natural stepping-stone between school and university. Our annual destinations list reflects the diversity of our students and their enthusiasms. Last year students proceeded to courses including Biochemistry at Oxford, History and Politics at Cambridge, Medicine at KCL, International Relations at LSE, Fine Art (Painting) at UAL Camberwell, Fashion Design (Menswear) at UAL Central Saint Martins, Engineering at Bristol, Economics at Edinburgh, Veterinary Medicine at the RVC, Film and Literature at Warwick, History of Art at The Courtauld and Finance at Durham.High-performing and non-selective:
RIC is a not academically selective, either at 11+ or sixth form. Our students’ A level grades though are comfortably above those of many selective schools. We are ranked in the top 2% of schools in England for value-added performance, measuring the progress sixth form students make. In 2020, 72% of students scored between A* to B in their A Levels; 42% of RIC students scored A* to A. Many have progressed to top universities, with nine RIC graduates winning spots at medical schools last year.Because of the flexibility of our programmes, all students should attend an interview either online or in person to fully explore their best options. Academically non-selective, our main entry requirement is an honest intention to work hard, and our students are consistently high-achieving.
Our minimum English language requirements for students from non-English speaking backgrounds are IELTS band 5 or equivalent or higher for GCSE students and band 5.5 or higher for A-level.‘The atmosphere at RIC is vibrant and the tutors are immensely influential in making me more independent and efficient’ – A-level student“It’s place for individuals. The campus is as unique as the school. The students are a strikingly nice bunch and there’s a lovely air of tolerance and warmth.” Good Schools Guide
LIFE AT Rochester Independent College
We have been helping overseas students gain entrance to Rochester Independent College for a number of years now, progressing to high profile careers in the UK. Find out more about this school below.
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